Trash and Recycling

Lakewood does not contract with haulers on behalf of residents nor does the city directly provide these services as a utility. Residents, business owners, and property managers are responsible for setting up their own waste collection services directly with the hauler of their choosing. Follow these steps to participate in a curbside waste collection program.  

Step 1:  Starting or changing waste collection services 

1. If you have an HOA, check with them first as they may have an existing contract with a waste hauler for your neighborhood. 
2. If you have no HOA, or if your HOA does not have a program, refer to this list of licensed waste haulers in Lakewood. Compare their services online or by phone by providing your address. Tip: Check in with your neighbors for recommendations based on their experience. If all your neighbors are using the same hauler, it makes sense to not bring additional truck traffic into your neighborhood to pick up a single cart. 
3. If you live in an apartment complex, contact your property manager for additional information on waste diversion options. If your complex does not offer recycling, take your recyclables to the Quail Street Recycling Center.  

     Quail Street Recycling Center  
     1068 Quail St. Lakewood, CO 80226 
      Accepted Materials 
     Free but donations accepted. Visit subpage for hours and details. 

Step 2: Recycling right 

1. Print and post a list of acceptable materials from your waste hauler and recycle only materials expressly accepted.

• ‘Wishcycling’, or putting non-recyclable materials in your cart, creates operational problems at processing facilities and devalues the recycling stream.
• If you are not sure about an item, call your waste hauler to confirm whether they accept it. 

• Download Lakewood's Waste Sorting Guide(PDF, 14MB) to learn what materials are recyclable, compostable, versus trash in our area.

2. Prepare waste for collection in accordance with waste hauler guidelines. 

• Bag trash to prevent litter, deter pests, and keep your cart clean.
• Do NOT bag recyclables. Any bagged materials will likely be treated as trash at recycling facilities. Recyclables should be clean, empty, and dry. Break down all cardboard. No pet waste, diapers, soft plastics, food scraps, foam, e-waste, or hazardous waste. 

3. Follow Lakewood code for waste container set out.  

• Do not place waste containers in a manner which obstructs street or sidewalk traffic on your collection day.  
• Place waste containers out and take them back to your residence in a timely manner. Containers should not exceed 48 consecutive hours at the curb per week. 

4. Report issues directly to your contracted waste hauler or HOA.  

• Haulers experience issues from time to time and service disruptions can occur. Report issues like repeat missed pick ups, broken carts in need of replacement, or if you witness commingling (mixing trash and recyclables in the same truck) directly to your hauler and/or HOA.